The family of Bill Seltzer has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this Hero for his service to our country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. in April, 1943 and was honorably discharged in August, 1946 at the rank of Private. He was involved in the battle of Iwo Jima and was witness to the famous flag raising on Mount Suribachi. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He also was field promoted to Lieutenant when all of the officers in his unit were deceased, but relinquished that rank prior to discharge.
Bill was a very proud Marine throughout his life.
Bill continued his schooling after his service and obtained degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering as well as a PHD in Bio Medical Engineering from UCLA. His dream was to become an astronaut, but when that failed, he went on to work for the NASA space program for many years. He was instrumental in designing technology that is still used in the space program today.
Bill loved hot rods and motorcycles, but his passion was flying. He, along with his wife Sallie, owned a private plane which is still hangared at Whiteman Airport. Bill married his wife just two years ago, but they were partners in life for 45 years prior to that. They were married in the hangar with their plane where the service will take place. They were married by the retired Navy Chief chaplain who also owns a plane at Whiteman, and will conduct a portion of the service on Sunday.
Bill is survived by his wife Sallie, 3 daughters, a stepson, 6 grandchildren, a great grandchild and a sister.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this WWII Military Veteran.
For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the family home to the location of the service. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the 2nd staging area, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Sunday, 10 JAN 16: 0930 – Stage at Burger King restaurant, 545 N. Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
https://goo.gl/maps/G3GAZKJGkD52 0945 – Mission Briefing
0955 – KSU to family residence
1010 – Flag line for transfer of Hero from family residence to family vehicle
1020 – KSU for accompaniment to Whiteman Airport, 12653 Osborne St, Pacoima, CA 90012 (approx 10 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/V31NkDEvHrt 1045 – Flag Line for transfer of Hero into building and assist family in setting up for memorial service
1130 – Second staging, 12653 Osborne St., Pacoima, CA 90012 at the Administration Building of Whiteman Airport
1200 – Attend military honors and memorial service for our Hero, including a flyover and missing man formation that includes our heroes personal airplane
NOTE: There will be no interment, the Hero will return to the family.
R/C Mike Abraham
SoCal PGR Ride Captainpgrcbmike@hotmail.com
818-645-9698
You do not have to be a motorcycle rider or veteran to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in their cars. If this is your first mission, go to the initial or second staging area and you will be briefed by the R/C. Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are in a car. Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences for the family at the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?412860
